Calling for Justice

The Scriptures tell us that God cares deeply about the relationships we have with others. They speak to us not only about the importance of loving our neighbours, but also about challenging the injustices that can harm our neighbours. Here is one of many Scriptures where God encourages us to challenge injustice as part of our worship to him:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?

Isaiah 58: 6

We can do this on a personal level, but sometimes it’s also fruitful to do so on a structural level.

One of the privileges of living in a democracy, here in the U.K., is that we have the freedom and opportunity to promote justice at a structural level through influencing government policy. Democracy literally means “rule of the people”, and so if we’re to live in a true democracy, it’s important that we – the people -- communicate with our government about our priorities. Voting in general elections is one way we do that, but another significant way to do that is by writing to your local MP, who was elected to represent you.

Writing to your MP

If you would like to write to your MP, it’s important that you find out who they are, as they’ll want to be sure that you’re one of their constituents. You can find your MP, and their contact details by typing your postcode  into this website: https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP

There are of course a whole range of issues you could write about, such as the terrible famine and civil war in Sudan, the invasion of Ukraine, U.K. housing policy, or the way the benefits system works. One very current issue for our brothers and sisters here at St Peter’s is the situation in Iran. If you wanted to write about that, then there is a template you could use below.

One specific measure that many people are calling for is that the UK government should follow the EU in proscribing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, which could be a first step in weakening those who have been defending the regime in such a brutal way. There’s a good article published by the Tony Blair Institute on why this matters, written back in 2023 and arguing this wouldn’t necessarily mean breaking off diplomatic engagement. And here’s a short recent interview with Iain Duncan Smith, who also supports proscribing the IRGC.

You might want to write a short letter to your MP, specifically about that issue, or perhaps a longer letter such as the one below, which an Iranian member of our congregation is encouraging us to write. This letter represents his opinions. Some of the points, such as halting diplomatic relations (which would imply the closure of the Iranian embassy in London) are more controversial.

Dear [MP’s Name],

I am writing to you as a constituent and as someone deeply concerned about the grave and rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Iran over the past several weeks.

Reports indicate that the Islamic Republic regime ruling over IRAN and it's military arm, Islamic Revolutionaly Guard Corp ( IRGC) has violently suppressed peaceful protests, resulting in the killing of at least 20,000 civilians using military weapons and live ammunition against civilians.

These individuals were exercising their fundamental rights, and their violent deaths represent a profound humanitarian catastrophe. As my elected representative in the UK Parliament, I believe it is your moral and political responsibility to address this situation with urgency and seriousness.

I respectfully but firmly urge you to take the following actions:

1.⁠ ⁠Publicly and unequivocally condemn the killing of peaceful Iranian civilians and support meaningful measures against those responsible within the regime.

2.⁠ ⁠Press the UK Government to halt all diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran until clear and measurable improvements in human rights are demonstrated.

3.⁠ ⁠Support and advocate for an independent international investigation into the killings and broader acts of repression carried out by the Iranian authorities.

4.⁠ ⁠Support and advance the necessary legislation to formally designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a governmental body that engages in and supports global terrorism.

5.⁠ ⁠Urge the UK Government to investigate, restrict, and where necessary halt financial transactions, funding channels, and financial networks that may indirectly benefit or support organisations within the UK that are linked to, influenced by, or acting in furtherance of the Islamic Republic regime’s interests, in accordance with UK law and national security obligations.

These actions are not only necessary to uphold international law and human rights standards, but also to demonstrate that the United Kingdom stands firmly against state-sponsored violence, repression, and impunity.

Finally, I ask that you provide me with a report outlining the specific steps you intend to take in the coming days and weeks in response to this situation, including any parliamentary actions, statements, or communications with the Government.

I appreciate your time and attention to this urgent matter and look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address or Postcode]

[Your Constituency]